Bicuspid Aortic Valve

From Bicuspid Aortic Foundation:

A bicuspid aortic valve is an aortic valve with only two leaflets instead of three. Current clinical and scientific studies are revealing that bicuspid aortic disease is not a simple valve condition. It increasingly appears to be a genetically based connective tissue disorder.

As a genetic condition, it may affect multiple family members. Some affected family members have bicuspid aortic valves, and some have normal-appearing trileaflet aortic valves.

Regardless of the number of aortic valve leaflets, all family members should be checked periodically to avoid serious, potentially life-threatening complications of the aorta and vessels of the head and neck.